Tuesday, February 28
BNSF begins hiring in Montana
After a two-year period without hiring in the Flathead Valley, BNSF Railway now has positions available.
Monday, February 27
No headline
A catastrophic water main break occurred during the early morning hours Monday and crews are working to restore water pressure in the city, according to the city of Whitefish.
Wednesday, February 22
Former civic leader, guide dies
Don Nelson had a passion for his hometown of Whitefish and a deep connection to the people and culture of Nepal.
Tuesday, February 21
Drawn to tragedy in art
Ever since I was little, I have always been amazed by tragedy in art. Unlike many of my friends whose favorite movies or songs were filled with action, fun, and excitement — I gravitated to the sad songs or the movies that ended in a sorrowful or unexpected way. This wasn’t because I was depressed or into suffering, but because I have always felt that this genre of art relates to real human emotion. I have always felt that by watching a movie where the main character dies in the end, or a movie where the couple doesn’t stay together, reflects real life more closely than some perfect, fairy-tale ending.
Bill update near the Legislature midpoint
The 65th Montana Legislative Assembly finished its seventh week. Transmittal date is set for March 1. That is when general bills are transmitted to the other chamber. It marks the midpoint of the legislative session.
Political practices, foxes and the budget
Last week, the Montana House passed a bill to decommission the Commissioner of Political Practices. The Office of Political Practices is an independent entity charged with the oversight of our campaign laws in all Montana elections. Montana is the envy of this country in respect to clean and transparent elections with regulations that limit campaign contributions.
Donald James Nelson
Donald James Nelson, 69, of Whitefish, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, on Feb. 17, 2017 from complications following a motor vehicle accident in Thailand.
Marilynn Mae Taylor McKenzie
Marilynn Mae Taylor McKenzie 1936-2017
Schenck and Prentice — they bet their shirts on skiing
This column is created by the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation and the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing. Enjoy these fascinating stories about the rich and colorful history of skiing in the Flathead Valley and get ready for Ski Heritage Days on March 16 – 18.
Auditions set for 'Love Song'
The Whitefish Theatre Co. is holding auditions for a Black Curtain theatre production of “Love Song” on Feb. 27 and 28 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Shepherd's Hand director retires from free clinic
The patients who come to Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic are often facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Sled dog race this weekend
Mushers and their dogs from the Pacific Northwest and Canada will be testing their skills in the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race this weekend in an overnight race from Olney to Polebridge and back. Twenty-one teams have entered the race, which begins on Saturday at the Dog Creek Trailhead 18 miles west of Whitefish. Teams travel 40 miles to Polebridge, where they will camp for the night, before returning on Sunday to Dog Creek.
New Bulldog logo license plates now available
Whitefish Bulldog fans can now show their school spirit on their vehicle with the new Bulldog logo license plate.
City Council meetings now broadcasted live online
Whitefish City Council meetings are now being live streamed over the internet.
PTA series begins with documentary
The Whitefish Parent Teacher Association has rescheduled the showing of the “Screenager” documentary to Monday, Feb. 27.
High school gymnasium fire marks 40 years
At 3:19 on a cold Thursday morning 40 years ago, the Whitefish Fire Department received disturbing news that the high school was in flames.
Library program expands schools digital collection
Whitefish schools, along with 54 other schools statewide, are part of a new digital library collection that shares ebooks and audiobooks in an attempt to tackle a school library digital divide.
Portraits of pooches
Artist Kelly West refers to her work as sketches — moments of time captured in art, loaded with the day’s events and emotions and everything else leading up to brush meeting canvas.
Pharmacy technician named best in state
As a 19-year-old English major at the University of Montana, Angela Jensen realized she needed something to fill the time between classes and her commute home to Stevensville. Her curiosity brought her to volunteer at Community Medical Center in Missoula, and the rest is history.
'The Dining Room' explores family relationships
Whitefish High School drama will take to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center stage Feb. 23-25 for its presentation of “The Dining Room” by A.R. Gurney.
Dogs spoil Cats' senior night
The Bulldogs avenged a home loss to the rival Wildcats at a packed Columbia Falls gym in convincing fashion Thursday night. The Dogs won 56-41.
Lady Dogs prepare for divisional tournament
Despite finishing the regular season without a win, Lady Bulldogs head coach Ben Johnson feels good about his team’s chances entering the Western A Divisional Tournament this week.
Wednesday, February 15
Sales see large uptick, new projects double
Home sales in Whitefish last year saw a large uptick, while new residential home development more than doubled in the city.
Institute honors educator, water quality work
The Whitefish Lake Institute is honoring a long-time Whitefish educator and an organization that has support water quality initiatives for many years.
City puts hold on workforce housing tool
Whitefish City Council has halted a proposal to allow workforce housing in the city’s business district.
Fantasy tale draws audience into magical world
The Whitefish Theatre Company is delighted to present the fantastic tale of “The Neverending Story.”
Schenck and Prentice - they bet their shirts on skiing
This column is created by the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation and the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing. Enjoy these fascinating stories about the rich and colorful history of skiing in the Flathead Valley and get ready for Ski Heritage Days on March 16 – 18.
Reserved parking added for gazebos at City Beach
Finding a parking spot at City Beach can be a challenge, but the city is looking to improve the situation for those who rent gazebos in the park.
A final message from Polly Penguin
I’m waving farewell to my cousins, the Gentoo Penguins, as I’m ready to make my slow way home. Home is where the heart is ... Whitefish!
A feast for the mind, place for writers to shine
A place where writers — both new and established — can show their work to the world.
Weyerhaeuser grant benefits sustainability center
The Whitefish School District has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund for the Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, a multi-use outdoor learning center set to open next winter.
Volunteers needed for Special Olympics
Volunteers are needed to help with the Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games on March 5-7 at Whitefish Mountain resort.
High school warns of scam
A scam claiming to sell ad space for a Whitefish High School sports poster has contacted several Whitefish businesses.
Fundraising begins for Nate Chute races set for March
The 18th Annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross races are set for mid-March, but the Nate Chute Foundation wants competitors to get a head start on fundraising.
Heart health and how heart attacks affect women differently
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. It’s important to recognize that heart disease is preventable for those who take charge of their health and make good decisions about eating heart healthy foods and participating in 30 minutes of activity every day.
Update on bills of interest in Legislature
The 65th Montana Legislature finished its fifth week on Feb. 3. Some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley are Senate Bill 96, Senate Bill 129, and House Bill 191.
Stand up to intimidation
Although three million more people voted for Hillary Clinton than for Donald Trump, the fact remains that approximately 62 million people voted for a person they would not put on a local school board or invite into their home.
Healthcare needs overhaul, not ACA
I read with great interest Dr. Jason Cohen’s recent letter to the editor: “Discussion Points of the Future of the Affordable Care Act.” One of the most damaging forces in the universe is the illusion that expensive things can be had if we just want them bad enough. People often buy college educations, automobiles, and homes that the rational person can see are outside the realm of financial possibility, but the excitement of owning the shiny new thing often short circuits the brain just long enough for a family to destroy its financial future for a generation. That is exactly what we are witnessing with the ironically named “Affordable Care Act.”
WTC says thanks
The Whitefish Theatre Company would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Flathead Electric’s Roundup for Safety program. This past month, WTC received a grant from the Roundup for Safety program that provided partial funds to replace our old, outdated lift with a new scissor lift. Not only does this new model make it much safer to build and paint sets, change lights, and adjust equipment in the ceiling grid, but it saves WTC staff and volunteers a tremendous amount of time to be able to drive the lift by themselves. This lift assures that WTC can continue to provide theatre, music, and dance shows throughout the year by allowing staff and our several hundred volunteers to safely complete their work, as well as maintain the O’Shaughnessy Center. The Whitefish Theatre Company is grateful for this generous grant and everything the Roundup for Safety program does for our community.
Tuesday, February 14
Paul David Holmquist
Paul David Holmquist, 89, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Feb. 5, 2017. He is survived by his children Karen Meroney and Allen Holmquist. A public viewing will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral with a burial to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Alfred Raymond Acree
Alfred Raymond Acree passed away on Feb. 2, 2017 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. Born June 13, 1934.
Ida A. Knutson, 96
Ida was born Feb. 24, 1920, at home near Proctor. Her father, Peder Underdal, came to America in 1901 from Norway, going back in 1906 to get his soon-to-be wife.
Kathryn Lee Krueger
Our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Kathryn Lee Krueger, died Feb. 10, 2017 in Noxon.
Catina takes second at state tournament
Whitefish 205-pounder Travis Catina capped off his stellar senior season with a second place finish at the Class A State Wrestling Tournament in Billings.
Dogs buck Broncs in dramatic OT win
Whitefish’s seniors capped off their basketball careers with a thrilling 70-65 overtime win over Frenchtown at home on senior night.
Lady Fusion secure 14U title
The Flathead Lady Fusion won the Montana Amateur Hockey Association’s 14U Girls division championship Sunday in Havre.
FVSEF competes at Snowbowl
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) traveled to Montana Snowbowl in Missoula on Feb. 4-5 with 16 athletes to compete in a two-day slalom event.
Lady Dogs drop weekend games to Stevensville, Frenchtown
The Lady Bulldogs kept it close during Friday’s 45-38 loss to Stevensville, but couldn’t hit the big shots when they were needed.
MARS skiers make podium
The Montana Alpine Race School traveled to Big Sky for the Lone Peak Speed Series of the USSA Northern Division Feb. 10-12.
Monday, February 13
No headline
The Whitefish girls swimming team put the finishing touch on a dominant season by grabbing the Class A State swim championship on Saturday.
Tuesday, February 7
Stepping into the world of young adult novels
Near the beginning of “The Edge of Everything” the novel’s main character Zoe, 17, is faced with a difficult choice.
Whitefish student visits with Lt. Gov. on career groups
Whitefish High School student and Montana DECA president Emma Claire Spring recently spoke with Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney on the importance of career and technical education during the Montana Career and Technical Student Organization Governor’s reception.
City asks county to partner on 93 corridor
The city of Whitefish has formally asked Flathead County to work with it on creating a corridor plan for U.S. Highway 93 South, but at least one county commissioner is unwilling to partner with the city on a joint plan.
Cities willing to work with county on future growth
Leaders of the three incorporated cities in Flathead County seem to want more cooperation with the county when it comes to longterm land use planning.
Trumbull Creek conservation easement closes
A major conservation easement on F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. property just north of Columbia Falls was closed last week. The Trust for Public Land in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks secured a conservation easement on 7,068 acres in the Trumbull Creek area on the south face of the Whitefish Range.
Snow storm hits Flathead Valley
Blowing snow and icy roads impacted travel throughout the Flathead Valley Monday morning, but also created powder for skiers.
No headline
How to pay for the Flathead County consolidated 911 dispatch center resurfaced as a major issue last week when the county and its incorporated cities met to revise the county’s 911 interlocal agreement.
Symphony presents Star Wars, Dvorak
Blast off this winter with the Glacier Symphony’s “Star Wars, Dark Matter and Dvorak” family concert in February.
Groups look for ways to reduce carbon footprint
Some ideas are still being formulated and planned, while other projects are already being implemented in efforts to reduce the Flathead Valley’s carbon footprint.
Helmets donated for ski club program students
Every Whitefish elementary student who passes through the Big Mountain Ski Club ski days will now have a helmet to wear.
Winter Carnival Classic Ski and Race results
The Glacier Nordic Club brought back its Whitefish Winter Carnival weekend Classic Ski and Race on Sunday for the first time in many years.
Bulldogs pass by Corvallis with late surge
It wasn’t pretty, but the Bulldogs got it done against Corvallis Friday, coming up with a late 55-50 win.
Lady Dogs hope to close out season strong
The Lady Bulldogs finished their final home game of the season on a sour note, falling to Corvallis 62-21 on Friday.
McGeady, Nicholson sign letters of intent
Two Whitefish High School senior athletes announced their decisions to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level early Wednesday morning.
Bulldog wrestlers head to state
After a successful outing at the Divisional Tournament, 10 Bulldog wrestlers will head to Billings this weekend for the Class A State Wrestling Tournament.
Sydnie Ann Hale Watson
Sydnie Ann Hale Watson was born in Whitefish on March 1, 1939, to Arnold and Ann Hale. She graduated from Whitefish High School and was a graduate of Montana State University. Sydnie held a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology as well as a Master of Science degree in immunology that she earned from California State University.
Burl Eugene Sargent
Burl Eugene “Jim” Sargent, 81, passed away on Feb. 6, 2017 at the Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.
Monday, February 6
No headline
Blowing snow and icy roads impacted travel throughout the Flathead Valley Monday morning.
Sunday, February 5
Winter Carnival Grand Parade in photos
Hundreds lined Central Avenue Saturday for the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival Grand Parade.
Extreme storm could bring 24-30 inches of snowfall
Weather experts are predicting an extreme snowfall event for northwest Montana on Sunday and Monday unlike any the region has seen in decades.
Saturday, February 4
No headline
Hundreds of brave volunteers jumped in the icy waters of Whitefish Lake Saturday morning for the annual Penguin Plunge.
Wednesday, February 1
Legals February 1, 2017
No. 2356 WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The regular meeting of the Whitefish Planning Board will be held on February 16, 2017 at 6:00 pm in the Whitefish City Council Chambers at 1005 Baker Avenue. During the meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing on the items listed below. Upon receipt of the recommendation by the Planning Board, the Whitefish City Council will also hold a subsequent public hearing on items 1-7 on Monday, March 6, 2017 and items 8-15 on Monday, March 20, 2017. City Council meetings start at 7:10 pm at 1005 Baker Avenue in the Whitefish City Council Chambers. 1. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone thirteen parcels and adjacent right-of-way annexed into City limits from County R-4 (Two-Family Residential) to WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District). The properties are located at 400, 408, 512, 520, 528, 539, and 544 Ramsey Avenue; 323, 331, 339, 341 and 345 Fraser Avenue; RAMSEY ADD, Block 3, W 100' of Lot 9, Tracts 4DA, 4DAC and Ramsey Avenue r.o.w. in S35 T31N R22W and S26 T31N R22W. WZC 17-01 (Compton-Ring) 2. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone two parcels annexed into City limits from County R-3 (One-Family Residential) to WR-1 (One-Family Residential District). The properties are located at 1 Tides Way in S35 T31N R22W. WZC 17-02 (Compton-Ring) 3. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone three parcels and adjacent right-of-way annexed into City limits from County R-4 (Two-Family Residential) to WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District). The properties are located at 235 Good Avenue, 333 and 345 Jennings Avenue and Good Avenue r.o.w. in S36 T31N R22W. WZC 17-03 (Compton-Ring) 4. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone one parcel annexed into City limits from County B-2A (Secondary Business) to WB-2 (Secondary Business District). The property is located at 6356 US Highway 93 S in S01 T30N, R22W. WZC 17-04 (Compton-Ring) 5. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone one parcel and adjacent right-of-way annexed into City limits from County R-4 (Two-Family Residential) to WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District). The property is located at 1210 O'Brien Avenue and O' Brien Avenue r.o.w. known as Tract 5BF in S01 T30N R22W. WZC 17-05 (Compton-Ring) 6. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone four parcels annexed into City limits from County B-2A (Secondary Business) to WB-2 (Secondary Business District). The property is located at 530 W. 19th Street, N'LY strip of Unit-A, Whitefish South 93 Professional Bldg Condo, N'LY of Unit-B, Whitefish South 93 Professional Bldg Condo, N'LY strip of Unit C Whitefish South 93 Professional Bldg Condo in S01, T30N, R22W. WZC 17-06 (Compton-Ring) 7. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone two parcels annexed into City limits from County R-3 (One-Family Residential) to WR-1 (One-Family Residential District). The property can be legally described as Tracts 1BF and 3I in S01 T30N R22W. WZC 17-07 (Compton-Ring) 8. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone three parcels annexed into City limits from County SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural), B-2A (Secondary Business), and R-2 (One Family Limited Residential) to WA (Agricultural District), WER (Estate Residential District) and WB-2 (Secondary Business District). The properties are located at 6204-6208 US Highway 93 South, 6200 US Highway 93 S, and Tract 3BB in S01 T30N R22W. WZC 17-08 (Minnich) 9. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone two parcels annexed into City limits from County R-3 (One Family Residential) to WR-1 (One-Family Residential District). The properties are located at 1180 Voerman Road and can be legally described as Tract 5A and 5C in S05 T30N R21W. WZC 17-09 (Minnich) 10. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone six parcels annexed into City limits from County R-4 (Two-Family Residential) and R-3 (One-Family Residential) to WR-1 (One-Family Residential District) and WR-2 (Two-Family Residential District). The properties are located at 1000 Creek View Drive, N'LY portion of Tract 2 of COS 15158 in Lot 4, Adjacent 10th Street r.o.w. to the N'LY portion of Tract 2 COS 15158 in Lot 4, Tract 1F in Lot 4, Alley Adjacent to Lots 1 through 7 BLK 5 Park Add, and Tract 1 of COS 14544 in S31 & S32 T31N R21W. WZC 17-10 (Minnich) 11. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone one parcel annexed into City limits from County RR-1 (Low Density Resort Residential) to WRR-1 (Low Density Resort Residential District). The property can be legally described as Lot 5 (SE portion) of Sun Crest Add 1 in S24 T31N R21W. WZC 17-11 (Minnich) 12. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone one parcel annexed into City limits from County RR-1 (Low Density Resort Residential) to WRR-1 (Low Density Resort Residential District). The property can be legally described as Tract 2 of COS 16393 including adjacent Lookout Road in S12 T31N R22W. WZC 17-12 (Minnich) 13. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone five parcels annexed into City limits from County I-1 (Light Industrial) to WI (Industrial and Warehousing District). The properties are located at 1630 Baker Avenue, 250 West 18th Street, 1800 Baker Avenue, and 285 & 291 West 19th Street in S01 T30N R22W. WZC 17-13 (Minnich) 14. A request by the City of Whitefish to rezone one parcel annexed into City limits from County R-4 (Two-Family Residential) to WR-3 (Low Density Multi-Family Residential District). The property can be legally described as S35' of N135' of E120' of Lot 4 BLK 1, WFSH TSTE CO 5 AC, in S25 T31N, R22W. WZC 17-14 (Minnich) 15. A request by Catherine Faerber for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment. The property is located at 604 Somers Avenue and can be legally described as Lot 1, BLK 9 of Riverside Addition to Whitefish in S36, T31N, R22W. WCUP 17-01 (Minnich) Documents pertaining to these agenda items are available for review at the Whitefish Planning & Building Department, 510 Railway Street during regular business hours. Inquiries are welcomed. Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and make known their views and concerns. Comments in writing may be forwarded to the Whitefish Planning & Building Department at the above address prior to the hearing or via email: dtaylor@cityofwhitefish.org. For questions or further information regarding these proposals, phone 406-863-2410. WHITEFISH PLANNING BOARD Steve Qunell, Chair Feb. 1, 2017 MNAXLP
